Methods of energy generation from the human body: a literature review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review available methods of utilising the human body to obtain energy during the course of daily life activities, without interference with an individual’s lifestyle. The number of individuals with health issues requiring assistance from external or internal health-aiding devices is rapidly increasing. Battery life associated with these devices is currently a major limitation. Currently, medical devices that depend on batteries (i.e., implantable devices) require constant battery monitoring. Development of implantable devices with rechargeable batteries is, therefore, essential. Technologies that can capture energy from the human body can be developed, with different organs, systems, and activities having the potential to be utilised to generate energy. This energy source can act as an alternative to conventional batteries. This study provides an overview of various methods for obtaining energy from the human body. These methods are summarised, compared and analysed. The best results achieved (in terms of power output) are compared and listed.

Keywords:

• Energy generation
• human motion
• organ system
• thermoelectric generator
• medical devices

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).